Ken's Korner

The difference between a successful CEO and a designer/engineer or the average person is that a CEO does not think about risk, does not think about failure, and only sees success on the horizon NO MATTER WHAT. Successful CEO’s wiring is all together different from the average person.

As most of you know, whether you wanted to or not, we have concentrated and focused primarily on higher end, high quality Medal Displays an have achieved great success.

Nell and “Night Train” Uncle Neil and I have had many discussions about introducing lower price point Medal Displays. I have been the one hesitant to go down this path as the criteria for me if we were to go that route were, the Displays would have to be uniquely different than anything else and that they be the highest quality Displays at that price point. The other issue I considered was that there was already a large number of companies competing in that space. I was the roadblock as far as adding this new product line.

We first introduced our smaller Displays two years ago for the BAA and the Boston Marathon, because when the BAA tells you to jump, you say, “yes, Sir!, …yes Maam!, How High????” I am somewhat joking but they really did want more SKUs from us so we rolled out our SSMS3, or smaller Stainless Steel Medal Displays for the Boston Marathon only. They have been a hit.

This past December, we did a pilot run, introducing our biggest selling design, in a smaller version at St. Jude Memphis Marathon. On a Sunny, beautiful afternoon, in the finishers area, our smaller pilot run Displays were the hottest thing going. The small pilot run was successful.

So the decision that Nell has been pushing for quite a while was made to go “all in” for LA and now offer many of our popular designs in a cute, smaller version at the $50-$80.00 price point. In LA 67% of Nell’s transactions were for our SSMS3 or smaller Displays and we still sold about the same number of large Displays that we typically sell at a large event.

The sale of the smaller Displays is revenue that would have otherwise been lost to our competitors. By adding the new line, they serve as an “easy on the wallet” buy type product and help us spread the high overhead costs of these events across more event sales transactions. In short, LA Marathon weekend was very good to Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC.

This has been a historic weekend in Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC and once again we have redefined the Medal Display Market and landscape and will continue to do so in the future.

Nell the CEO was right and this Valentine’s Day, I will be eating some humble pie….but it will be SWEEEEEETTTT Humble Pie!!!

Testimonials

Maureen Gallagher (Southfield MI)

Maureen Gallagher from Southfield MI who purchased four Displays for her daughters wrote:

“Everything was great. I wasn’t sure how the gifts would be received but everyone loved them. I got emailed pictures of them the day after Christmas. Hung up with their medals on display! “

-Maureen Gallagher was voted one of Detroit Crain’s “Best and Brightest” and also voted one of "the top 50 fittest CEO’s in the country.”

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-10-07T23:06:18+00:00

Maureen Gallagher from Southfield MI who purchased four Displays for her daughters wrote: “Everything was great. I wasn’t sure how the gifts would be received but everyone loved them. I got emailed pictures of them the day after Christmas. Hung up with their medals on display! “ -Maureen Gallagher was voted one of Detroit Crain’s “Best and Brightest” and also voted one of "the top 50 fittest CEO’s in the country.”

Bernice Brown (Chicago)

A Steve “Pre” Prefontaine metal, brown and gold display caught my eye. I was not sure how much I wanted to spend on a medal holder so I went back and forth between a couple.
Ken and Nell were so helpful and patient in helping me pick the right one for me.

I ended up choosing the “Pre” one and I am so happy with my purchase!! I would definitely steer anyone looking for a really cool medal display their way!!!

Keep up the great work Blue Diamond Athletic Displays!!!!“

Friend, customer, proud PSMS1-PRE in Robust Brown Wrinkle Owner!

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-11T01:02:10+00:00

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/jeremy-kiaser/

Gina Parker (Chicago)

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is a wonderful company to do business with for three reasons:

1) their displays are the most visually appealing;
2) the people you get to work with are wonderful and friendly;
3) they set out to not only meet your expectations but exceed them.

I can tell you first hand this is true. My mother ordered me a display as a surprise for my graduate school graduation and included the ironman symbol on it because she didn't understand what the symbol meant she thought it looked cool.

I opened it and thought it was great except my goals don't include an ironman so I felt it was false advertising about myself. I spoke with Nell about this and she had me bring it back to her and they figured out how to put my picture in my display.

I am the first to have this display but others may now order this style. I think this is awesome that a custom company will work with you after the fact to make you so happy! Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is my go to company for medal displays and it should be everyone else's too!

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-12T14:43:37+00:00

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is a wonderful company to do business with for three reasons: 1) their displays are the most visually appealing; 2) the people you get to work with are wonderful and friendly; 3) they set out to not only meet your expectations but exceed them. I can tell you first hand this is true. My mother ordered me a display as a surprise for my graduate school graduation and included the ironman symbol on it because she didn't understand what the symbol meant she thought it looked cool. I opened it and thought it was great except my goals don't include an ironman so I felt it was false advertising about myself. I spoke with Nell about this and she had me bring it back to her and they figured out how to put my picture in my display. I am the first to have this display but others may now order this style. I think this is awesome that a custom company will work with you after the fact to make you so happy! Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is my go to company for medal displays and it should be everyone else's too!

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/gina-parker-chicago/

Tammy Munch (Chicago)

I love my Prefontaine Medal Display because it holds my memories of achievements earned through hard work and dedication.

I had a display before, but it wasn't well made, and when the rack started to sag from the weight of the medals, I didn't feel like I was proud of what I was looking at.

Now, I can add to this one, and I think it reflects how I feel inside - like a mom who has worked hard to be a good example to her family and friends through setting big goals and being disciplined to make them happen!

- Mother, Wife, Accomplished Athlete, Friend and Chicago Female Athlete of the Month for March 2011

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-12T14:46:40+00:00

I love my Prefontaine Medal Display because it holds my memories of achievements earned through hard work and dedication. I had a display before, but it wasn't well made, and when the rack started to sag from the weight of the medals, I didn't feel like I was proud of what I was looking at. Now, I can add to this one, and I think it reflects how I feel inside - like a mom who has worked hard to be a good example to her family and friends through setting big goals and being disciplined to make them happen! - Mother, Wife, Accomplished Athlete, Friend and Chicago Female Athlete of the Month for March 2011

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/tammy-munch-chicago/

Michelle O’Brien (Ireland)

I got it as a Christmas gift for my husband, for his marathon medals and he loves it. It is by far the best and nicest looking medal holder that I came across in my search for one.

It was all smooth running when it came to ordering it and receiving it and for that I am very grateful considering it was the Christmas period.
Thanks again, ye have a great business.

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-12T14:47:56+00:00

I got it as a Christmas gift for my husband, for his marathon medals and he loves it. It is by far the best and nicest looking medal holder that I came across in my search for one. It was all smooth running when it came to ordering it and receiving it and for that I am very grateful considering it was the Christmas period. Thanks again, ye have a great business.

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/michelle-obrien-ireland/

Joe Moreno (East Moline, IL)

I wish to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for an awesome element I recently acquired. As a runner for 40+ years there are races that stand out and have a true significance in one's life. The medal display from Blue Diamond is a real necessity.

It's a vital part of the runner's big picture. The shoes, the training, the race pace goal and the GU on race day. It's all a must for most runners. The Blue Diamond display is a great way to epitomize your passion and commitment to this love we have for running. Every medal that hangs on those pegs has a story, they're all pages in our book of life. And this beautiful display is our story.

Thank you Nell, Ken, and 'fast guy' Neil for offering us runners a wonderful way to proudly share our stories.

I wish to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for an awesome element I recently acquired. As a runner for 40+ years there are races that stand out and have a true significance in one's life. The medal display from Blue Diamond is a real necessity. It's a vital part of the runner's big picture. The shoes, the training, the race pace goal and the GU on race day. It's all a must for most runners. The Blue Diamond display is a great way to epitomize your passion and commitment to this love we have for running. Every medal that hangs on those pegs has a story, they're all pages in our book of life. And this beautiful display is our story. Thank you Nell, Ken, and 'fast guy' Neil for offering us runners a wonderful way to proudly share our stories. "Mojo", friend, Quad Cities Marathon Race Director, Running USA Board Member, passionate runner who once stopped a train with his own car to keep a race going!

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/joe-moreno/

Dr. Kitty Yon (Oakbrook, IL)

When I first saw their 'Marathon 26.2 Miles' medal display hanging on a friends wall, I was very impressed, not only at the number of medals that were hanging, but the medal display that they were hanging on was so stunning. When I received my display, I LOVED IT!

Now I have a place to proudly hang all my medals that I worked so long and hard for! The quality and customer service at Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is outstanding and friendly.

Thank you Blue Diamond!

- Friend and Experienced Marathoner

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-12T14:55:03+00:00

When I first saw their 'Marathon 26.2 Miles' medal display hanging on a friends wall, I was very impressed, not only at the number of medals that were hanging, but the medal display that they were hanging on was so stunning. When I received my display, I LOVED IT! Now I have a place to proudly hang all my medals that I worked so long and hard for! The quality and customer service at Blue Diamond Athletic Displays is outstanding and friendly. Thank you Blue Diamond! - Friend and Experienced Marathoner

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/dr-kitty-yon/

Jessica Gutshall (Morgantown, WV)

I'm in LOVE with the medal rack my friend Mikala S. bought me from you!! It is beautiful, well made, and so me! It is truly an inspiration to keep running to fill it up... Oh and to buy another! Keep up the good work!!!

-Proud, "Girls Just Wanna Have Run!!!" owner

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2013-09-15T20:40:50+00:00

I'm in LOVE with the medal rack my friend Mikala S. bought me from you!! It is beautiful, well made, and so me! It is truly an inspiration to keep running to fill it up... Oh and to buy another! Keep up the good work!!! -Proud, "Girls Just Wanna Have Run!!!" owner

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/jessica-gutshall/

Donna Gatewood of Elkins Park PA

"Dear Nell:

I'm a blood cancer survivor with a scarred lung, so it takes me an extra long time to get my finisher's medals. I was never satisfied with the ones I saw at the different race expos or online--they always looked so cheap. I'm glad I held out until I found you guys. This makes me so happy every time I look at it!

Thanks so much for such a fine product and you totally deserve to be part of Boston. They should've found you sooner,

Donna Gatewood
Elkins Park, PA"

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2014-03-22T20:15:49+00:00

"Dear Nell: I'm a blood cancer survivor with a scarred lung, so it takes me an extra long time to get my finisher's medals. I was never satisfied with the ones I saw at the different race expos or online--they always looked so cheap. I'm glad I held out until I found you guys. This makes me so happy every time I look at it! Thanks so much for such a fine product and you totally deserve to be part of Boston. They should've found you sooner, Donna Gatewood Elkins Park, PA"

Mari Fuentes of Studio City CA

Mari Fuentes, new friend, jewelry designer, former fashion model, event director, who is putting on the Innovation Run to benefit Walter Reed Middle school, around CBS Studios later this month who purchased a Medal Display for her husband Anton Maillie who is a TV/Movie producer and member of a very elite group, a 7 Continent Marathon Finisher, wrote:

"He got it last night and LOVED IT!!! I knew he would. Thank you so much for your and Nell's beautiful work. And, the other display is gorgeous, too! I will get it to auction committee for the event.

Mari Fuentes, new friend, jewelry designer, former fashion model, event director, who is putting on the Innovation Run to benefit Walter Reed Middle school, around CBS Studios later this month who purchased a Medal Display for her husband Anton Maillie who is a TV/Movie producer and member of a very elite group, a 7 Continent Marathon Finisher, wrote: "He got it last night and LOVED IT!!! I knew he would. Thank you so much for your and Nell's beautiful work. And, the other display is gorgeous, too! I will get it to auction committee for the event. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! xo, Mari

Jay Mooney

If you are a CARA member you absolutely need to get this display! It is very well crafted and designed, easy to hang as well. Oh, and all that room for all of my medals. Love it!

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2014-10-10T17:14:55+00:00

If you are a CARA member you absolutely need to get this display! It is very well crafted and designed, easy to hang as well. Oh, and all that room for all of my medals. Love it!

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/jay-mooney/

Mara Wahlig (Geneseo, IL)

Nell,

I wanted to let you know I received my athletic display last week and I absolutely love it!!!!! I get so many compliments on my pink one that I got from you last year and I tell everyone to visit your website. I can't wait to give this one to my dad.

Thank you so much for making this! Have a great day!

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2014-10-10T17:32:44+00:00

Nell, I wanted to let you know I received my athletic display last week and I absolutely love it!!!!! I get so many compliments on my pink one that I got from you last year and I tell everyone to visit your website. I can't wait to give this one to my dad. Thank you so much for making this! Have a great day!

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/mara-wahlig/

Mary & Tom McManus (Brookline, MA)

Running races, especially marathons, for anyone is no easy feat but for me, as a survivor of paralytic polio, it was a challenge of a lifetime. I was transformed from one who thought of herself as disabled and unable to participate in athletic feats to a champion. It was a moment of redemption and now, thanks to Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, we have a special place in our home where I am reminded of my strength, courage and fortitude and can remember the joy of that special day.

Both my husband and I are later life runners. What a joy to be reminded of the gift of running and our accomplishments in our living room, with such a magnificent piece of work with the Blue Diamond Athletic Medal Display.

Thank you Ken and Nell!

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2014-10-10T17:21:48+00:00

Running races, especially marathons, for anyone is no easy feat but for me, as a survivor of paralytic polio, it was a challenge of a lifetime. I was transformed from one who thought of herself as disabled and unable to participate in athletic feats to a champion. It was a moment of redemption and now, thanks to Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, we have a special place in our home where I am reminded of my strength, courage and fortitude and can remember the joy of that special day. Both my husband and I are later life runners. What a joy to be reminded of the gift of running and our accomplishments in our living room, with such a magnificent piece of work with the Blue Diamond Athletic Medal Display. Thank you Ken and Nell!

https://athleticdisplays.com/testimonials/mary-tom-mcmanus/

Carla LaVere

Carla wrote:

"The best gift ever came this Christmas. I've completed 4 Boston's and number 5 will be April 2017. Looks beautiful in my piano room!"

Carla Goodman LaVere

Minnetonka MN

Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC., Medal Displays

2017-01-03T14:30:45+00:00

Carla wrote: "The best gift ever came this Christmas. I've completed 4 Boston's and number 5 will be April 2017. Looks beautiful in my piano room!" Carla Goodman LaVere Minnetonka MN